Hey everyone,
So this chapter was supposed to be the December chapter, but instead of that has this become part of my Christmas gift to all of you, my loyal readers. However, because of that Preventing Trouble won't be getting an update at the end of this month, but considering the fact that I am uploading 19 chapters, I don't think that really matters.
Okay, on with the show,

Venquine1990


Chapter 32
Ancient Protocols And Safety

28th of June 1995
Sirius' POV
Hogwarts Great Hall

Harry and Erika are the first of their dorm to come down today and instantly I can tell that whatever happened last night definitely did my little boy both a lot of good and a lot of bad, yet I don't comment on this and Harry says: "I'd like to spend today training on walking again, maybe out on the grounds or something?"
Remus and I nod, but then I say: "Sounds good, but not before you've had your breakfast. Also, I want to meet with Andromeda and see if she wants to set some appointments in regards to the mental trauma Azkaban caused me. And don't forget you have to set appointments with Narcissa about your Heirship classes."
Harry nods, but seems a little hesitant about the last bit and I softly touch his shoulder as I say: "I will be there the entire time, pup, and even if Lucius will be there, which he probably won't be as I just don't trust him right now, he will be wandless the entire time. These lessons are to help you, they are not to cause you harm."

And this seems to calm the boy down before Sora and the others come over and ask: "Sir, we've thought over what you said about Hogwarts and her sentient control over the magic around us and – well, Riku here came up with a way we can make sure our magic works when he cast the Curaga on your son to help his healing."
"You did, did you?" Remus asks and Riku nods as he says: "Harry definitely has a lot on his mind and heart, I can almost see that like one can see the color of the sea, but he also has a lot of character traits, which I picked up on last night, that would make him a perfectly fine candidate for the Keyblade – the weapons we use for magic casting."
Here my family and I share glances and Sora says: "I know it's new magic and that you know nothing more about us other than that we know Erica, but we really want to help and if Harry uses the Keyblade, Hogwarts will recognize it as a safe form of magic and then the Curaga should work perfectly fine."

"I like it." Harry says and Remus and I share a smile before I say: "Alright boys, why don't we head down for breakfast and then over to the grounds. Harry wants to do some excercises and after that we could try whatever you guys need to do to get Harry get a Keyblade." The two nod and the seven of us leave the common room.
The amazement that the three newcomers show as they follow us down the Grand staircase – Harry using the levitation function of his wheelchair – is definitely great to see and then Remus says: "You know, these three coming here might just make it so that others – like Molly – can be made exempt from the reading."
At this I nod and then say: "I'm sure the Weasleys will greatly appreciate that." Before Riku asks: "What reading are you guys doing anyway?" And Erika answers: "We're reading of Harry's past, present and future and as we do so in the Great Hall, does the spell that allows this freeze time all across the rest of the world."

This shocks the trio and Kairi asks: "So you guys are stuck in one single room while the rest of the world is just stuck between one minute and the next?" I nod and Harry sighs and says: "And if we don't read all of the books, the magic of the spell will drain my own magic to the point where it could take my life."
"Why would you do that?" Sora asks shocked and Harry answers: "I've never really feared death and I was part of an International Tournament, yet I also knew of a prophesy that would be coming true and I feared its contents would ruin the event or even cause something I had been trying to prevent for the three years before now."
"What was that?" Kairi asks and I lie my hand on Harry's shoulder as his whole demeanor turns horridly depressed as he mutters: "The return of my parents' murderer. My birth parents to be exact." The three look shocked and then Riku says: "Yeah, I can get why you would take a risk like that to prevent such a thing."

And Harry smiles at him before we leave the Grand staircase and as he rolls his wheelchair over to the Great Hall, does he say: "Thanks and now, welcome to our dining hall and the room where we will continue the reading in two days' time." And the way that the eyes of the three teens widen seems to cheer my son right up.
Harry smiles widely and then makes sure that each of them have one hand on his wheelchair before he rolls it over to the Gryffindor table, the way that the three follow him while also trying to take in the splendor of the sights around them actually looking quite amusing and making Remus and me share a smile before we follow them.

And as we sit down, do Narcissa and Andromeda and her family join us and instantly the blonde woman asks: "Good morning Harry dear, feeling better, I hope?" And Harry nods as he says: "Yeah, I do. Sora here tried using special magic to speed up my process, but Hogwarts didn't recognize it, so she negated some of the effects."
The woman nods and then asks the question I had been hoping she would: "Have you thought about my offer yet, dear?" And Harry swallows down a glass of milk before he says: "I really want to use today to learn Sora, Riku and Kairi's magic as it might speed up my healing process and I want to do some other exercises too.
But – maybe tomorrow?" Narcissa nods and smiles as she says: "I'm looking forward to it, dear." Before Andy asks: "Sirius, would you be opposed to some small sessions while you look over Harry and his exercises? If you'd rather have them privately –." But I shake my head and say: "I don't think doing that alone would be wise, Andy."

The woman nods in understanding, something I always adored and admired about her and then Harry asks: "Mrs. Tonks? I – I spoke with Erika last night and – I was wondering if you could speak with her as well. I – I think she could use your help with – some stuff." The boy almost whispers as he too receives an understanding nod.
Yet while Andy nods in understanding, does Harry's request confuse me until Remus whispers: "He's asking Andy to work alongside Erika on his healing as he trusts Erika like you trust Andy." And this makes me smile at my son in utter pride, feeling relieved beyond words that he is willing to seek out such help by himself.

Then I look around the hall and see that Harry's friends are actually entering the Great Hall at the same time as Draco and his friends and while I can sense a strong sense of tension going back and forth between Draco and Ron, do they seem to calmly walk over to us, Hermione hugging Harry and Draco kissing Narcissa's cheek.
And as Draco comes back up, do I raise my eyebrow as the tanned and tall boy besides him gives him a push in the side with his elbow, making Draco glare at him as if silently telling him: "Wait your turn." Before he takes a deep breath and turns to Hermione, causing Ron to be on guard instantly, yet he shocks them both.

"Hermione Jeane Granger, in name of the Alliance between House Malfoy and House Zabini and because House Zabini is currently with Heir, but without Lord due to it being a Patriachal line, do I hereby speak on behalf of my partner and friend and reach out to you with an invitation of truce and collaboration for the future."

This shocks the whole group and Hermione wants to open her mouth, but I lie a hand on her own, recognizing this for the official Pureblood business that it is and then ask: "Hermione, are you willing to accept this Noble Pureblood as your spokesperson and Magical Guardian, if only for the sake of your future and wellfare?"
And Hermione looks from me to Malfoy, the boy having a small, but accepting smile on his face before she asks: "I –." But I give her a raised eyebrow and she calmly says: "I accept your offer, Lord Black." And I nod at her before I turn to Draco and ask: "Does an alliance of House and guardians sound acceptable, Heir Malfoy?"
The blonde nods and I then turn to the boy besides him and ask: "And why exactly is it that House Zabini needed this alliance in place before it could approach the new Daughter of House Black?" And while this name shocks both Harry and Hermione, does the tall, dark skinned boy amuse me as he smirks and says:

"Because I wished to be sure of her alliance to those I cared for and because I desired for there to be as little animosity between her and my partners of House." And while Hermione seems confused as to this, do I calmly ask: "And your reason for wanting something like this assured?" And the boy happily shocks me as he says:
"Because I had hoped that she would be magically adopted or at least recognized as a protégé by a Lord or Lady of an Ancient House. Through that, I could then make the following request – as is tradition since 1726. Lord Black, would you be of acceptance to my person and my request for a 30 day Courting trial?"
"A –?" Hermione wants to ask, but I still have my hand on hers and give it a quick squeeze that says: "Keep quiet and trust me." And while the girl looks slightly shocked and angered that I am doing this in her name, do I take a deep breath and say: "I am amused – and flattered – but I would prefer a 3 day test to observe your character first."
And the tanned boy nods as he says: "I understand. Thank you for your understanding, Lord Black." I nod and the boy leaves, Draco again kissing his mother on the cheek before he follows his friends and while the tanned kid tries to hide it, do I feel like snickering as he has a very subtle hint of a spring now added to his step.

"Why did you do that?" Hermione asks and Narcissa answers: "Because as brilliant as you are, you are Muggleborn and thus without true guardians that can help guide you into a safe and prosper future. It's not so much an issue of trust as more a lack of knowledge. And no, that is not your fault, but that of those who have educated you.
Perhaps it could benefit you to join in on Harry's classes. Not so much because you are now in line for a real Pureblood inheritance, but definitely so you can learn to understand where we Purebloods come from when we do what we do." Yet even the idea of more studies don't seem to entice the now cross- looking girl and she says:

"But – but - but that was so – so medieval." Yet I stop her and say: "Hermione, allow me to explain. Yes, there is a great difference between the Muggle World and the Magical one, but we here take our comfort and protection out of those medieval ways. Not for ourselves, but for kids like yourself and Lavender Brown and Harry."
The girl looks shocked at this and I say: "The fact that Draco, even after four years, is willing to forgive and forget everything that happened in the time he knew Harry and give Pureblood Harry a chance is definitely a great thing and very commendable of him as a character, yet Blaise Zabini is very much an unknown.
I haven't met him before this and I doubt he has ever spoken more than two words to you. Because of that, his intentions are ones I sincerely doubt and I want to make sure that, through your Muggle upraising, he doesn't take advantage of you not knowing how things come and go in the ways and world of the Pureblood.
Also, I know of a Muggle saying that actually holds more ground in our world than theirs: Behind every great man is a greater woman. I just don't want that great woman to be taken advantage of to make the man greater, so I took over this procedure. So while it may be up to me to start the courting, it is up to you to go through it.
Just make sure he does most of the courting in front of me so I can make sure he really does adept the courting to what you like, want and – most importantly – deserve and let me know if you want the courting to end. And no, it won't cause a scandal or anything if your first courting ends in a break-up, it never does."

By now the girl looks a mix between understanding and cross and asks: "Why can't I just pick for myself who I want to court or who courts me?" But then Narcissa says: "We never said that you couldn't, we just accepted this one, because it concerned more than just your courting; it also included an alliance between Ancient Houses."
"But that's so disgusting! Using a –.""Hermione, the Alliance might still stand after the three day trial, it may fall during the three day trial, it may fall thanks to Blaise mucking up during the thirty day courting period. The Alliance, like the courting, was offered. It's nothing permanent, just more like a gift to the family of the approached."
I gently tell her and the girl seems a little more calmed down and asks: "So, if this doesn't work out, I can pick someone of my own choice?" To which I smile and says: "Yes, but it is still tradition that they make the first move. You can make a move that can indicate you want them to do so, but the approach must come from them."

And the girl seems to have gone back to feeling cross to which Harry says: "Feminism is a real thing in the Muggle world." Shocking me before I say: "Wow, wow, wow, wow! That's not the reason why your partner should be the approacher." And when the girl looks at me, do I smile at her, loving her curiosity and say:
"It's important that the approacher is your partner, because you and your future can be so much better off if – by chance – you chose someone from a powerful family. Say you like Cedric Diggory. If he becomes the Approacher, you instantly become known for being liked by that House and such a reputation can help you prosper.
But if it happens the other way, it won't because you're Muggleborn. And before you say anything, Hermione, the Stature of Secrecy – which we both know is very, very vital to our survival – makes it so that your family's reputation just can't hold ground in our world. If it could, you aproaching Cedric would have been fine.

It's all about the bigger picture, you get it?" The girl sighs and says: "I guess so. It – it just sounds – so demeaning." At this I smile at her and say: "Trust me, girlie, I felt the same way when I was your age. But now, I bless these rules and ways of procedure.""You do? Why?" The girl asks and I hug Harry close as I say:
"Cause they ensure me the confident assurance that I can protect and help guide my son into a safe, well-cared for and prosperous future. And with everything my pup's been through – well, I think I should stop lacking in my duties and put that Krum boy through a 30 day courting trial himself. Excuse me a minute."
And with that do I leave the table and over to where the Durmstrang students have yet again joined Slytherin table, Krum having taken a seat next to Draco, who is the first to notice me, making him laugh before he says: "Sorry Krum, but it looks like I just screwed you over." Making me smirk before I speak up and say:

"Viktor Krum, you are an international Quidditch player, but you seem to – like myself – have forgotten a few bits of standard protocol when it comes to creating bonds between one House and another. What is your answer to this problem?" And the boy looks at me shocked before he clears his throat and says:
"I can only offer a word of apology, Lord Black, as you are indeed correct. Would a three day sabatical sustain?" Yet while I feel impressed by the fact that the guy is willing to punish himself by staying away from my little boy, do I also know that this will be counter-productive to his healing process and say:
"I think I'd prefer a 30 day courting trial with the rules that no contact is done between you and my son without my presence and with the promise from you that each of the 30 days will be marked with one gift brought forth through magic, one brought forth through personal creation and one through a purchase of items. Is that clear, Heir Krum?"

And the boy bows as he says: "I am deeply honored that, after making my mistake, you are still welcoming me into your family like this, Lord Black, and humbly accept your premises for my 30 day courting period of your son. I will contact my father so he may discuss an official alliance between Houses Krum and Black."
At which I nod and say: "I will expect the first gift no later than lunch, Heir Krum." And with that I walk away and when I return to Harry, he asks: "Did it go okay?" And I answer: "There will be no contact between you unless in my presence, but else the whole deal was set just fine. Krum really is a good aspect for your future."
And Harry happily turns to Hermione as he says: "Told you so." Making the girl smile at him and when I look around, Remus says: "Hermione wondered why Harry was so easily accepting that you arrange this for him and Harry said it's because he knows you are doing this because you only want what's best for him."
Making me smile warmly at my young boy and I again hug him close as I say: "You bet your messy black hair I do. Now eat up, already. Even with all that Poppy is helping you cope, I can still feel your ribs, you know." And we all laugh as Harry quickly grabs an extra apple to put on his plate and we all start eating our breakfast.


Hey everyone,
I know what you're thinking, this chapter misses a lot of stuff. There is no Tonks teaching the others Auror stuff, there is no House Elf history class, there is no Keyblade classes. Well, that is because I felt this chapter was just fine as it was and because I will be putting stuff like that in the following chapter.
Now I know that I am working with a story that has been prewritten for quite some time, but the whole purpose behind this reposting was to repost an even better version, so to add a chapter or two to the already existing stuff. I won't mind the idea and I doubt you will too, seeing that it will give you even more enjoyable content.
Hope you agree,

Venquine1990